Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient's doctor to be sure that the benefits of using Anafranil outweigh the risks. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor.

Clomipramine (Anafranil) is a tricyclic antidepressant.

Take Clomipramine (Anafranil) capsules by mouth, swallow whole with a drink of water. It is best to take the capsules with food to avoid stomach upset.

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

abnormal production of milk in females
blurred vision
breast enlargement in both males and females
confusion
difficulty breathing
eye pain
fainting spells
fever
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
irregular or fast, pounding heartbeat, palpitations
loss of bladder control
muscle stiffness, or spasms
pain/difficulty passing urine
seizures
sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire, difficulty ejaculating)
stomach pain
swelling of the testicles
tingling, pain, or numbness in the feet or hands
tremor
unusual weakness/tiredness
yellowing of the eyes/ skin

Clomipramine can interact with many other medicines. Some interactions can be very important.

Do not take clomipramine with any of the following medications:

astemizole
cisapride
MAO inhibitors
other medicines for mental depression
probucol
terfenadine
thioridazine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.

In case of overdose, you need to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is unconscious or not breathing, you need to call local emergency services at 911.

If you have been taking Clomipramine (Anafranil) regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Clomipramine (Anafranil) affects you.

Clomipramine (Anafranil) may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Clomipramine (Anafranil) may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your ophthalmologist if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Clomipramine (Anafranil) can affect blood glucose (sugar) levels. During the first few weeks of clomipramine treatment check your blood sugar more often than usual. If you notice a change in the results of blood or urine glucose tests, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

If you miss a dose normally taken at bedtime to avoid daytime drowsiness, it may be better to miss that dose.

If you take more than one dose a day and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose.

Follow your prescriber's advice on missed doses. Do not take double or extra doses.

Clomipramine (Anafranil) can help patients with an obsessive compulsive disorder.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C / 86 degrees F.

If you are going to have surgery or will need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking Clomipramine (Anafranil).

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you drink alcohol-containing beverages daily or have a history of alcohol abuse

if you take thyroid medicine or have a history of an overactive thyroid

if you have a history of adrenal gland problems, glaucoma, heart problems, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, seizures, trouble urinating, the blood disease porphyria, or other blood problems

if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or behavior, bipolar disorder, or any other mental disorders

if you are undergoing electroshock therapy or you are scheduled to have any surgery